Wetherspoon hotels scored highly in a survey on UK hotel chains by Which? Travel. It surveyed 40 hotel chains, including pub chains with hotels, based on several criteria, including cleanliness, bed comfort, customer service, communal areas/facilities and value for money. More than 6,000 people participated in the survey.
Wetherspoon was placed ninth in the survey, ahead of well-known hotel chains, including Holiday Inn, Ramada, Hilton, Travelodge, Novotel and Marriott.
The Old Borough, Swords
The report stated: “Forget the unglamorous, edge-of-town, car park locations most budget hotels offer.
“Wetherspoon’s hotels are usually sat slap bang in city centres.
“They also offer more character than rivals, with many properties in historic buildings.
“Of course, the fact that there is only a staircase between you and your bed, after a slap-up meal and a glass or two of wine, is an added attraction.
“Those who stayed in a Wetherspoon hotel were pleasantly surprised.
“It was one of the few chains rated four stars for value for money.”
The Castle Hotel, Ruthin
The survey added: “It’s a curious feeling checking into a Wetherspoon.
“You feel you’ve taken a wrong turn past the slot machines on the way to the loos.
“But guests rated it better than Marriott, Best Western and other more famous brands.
“Our room brought out the best of the historic building, with gilded gold frames and vintage wallpaper.”
Wetherspoon’s general manager, Tom Ball, said: “We are delighted with the findings of the Which? Travel survey.
“We have 58 hotels across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with more set to open.
“We pride ourselves on the quality offering of our hotels and the excellent facilities, including en-suite bathroom, unlimited free Wi-Fi, complimentary tea- and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer and flat-screen television with Freeview TV, as well as digital air-conditioning and temperature control.
“The fact that our hotels are rated so highly and ahead of so many well-known hotel chains is testament to the excellent standards maintained at all times by our hard-working staff.”